The lights in the villa flickered a few times.
Unlike Livia’s obvious panic, Britney remained exceptionally calm in the face of such an unusual occurrence.
"Mr.Turner, what's going on?"
Having followed Manuel on many travels, Parker had seen his fair share of strange situations. Just as he was about to voice his suspicions—
A steady, mature male voice interrupted from the TV, which had been playing commercials in the living room.
“We now interrupt with an urgent news report. After verification from multiple sources, at 21:31:08 on May 23, 20XX, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck. The epicenter was located at the border between Riverdale and York Town in Rosewood District, Goldmoor, approximately 140.8 kilometers northeast of Goldmoor. According to the Chiosia Seismological Bureau, the surface wave magnitude of this earthquake reached…”
Britney stood frozen, unable to recov
The night sky twinkled with countless stars.Britneyheld her phone, but her heart felt unbearably heavy.“No way. I promised you—we'll contact you as soon as we find Manuel!” Even though Raidenunderstood Britney’s worries, he couldn't afford to gamble with her life.“I’ll keep my word!”Britney’s gaze had never been as resolute as it was now.Manuelwas her husband. If anything had happened to him, she needed to know immediately.So, she had to go find him...Even if the path ahead was uncertain or filled with danger.A moment later, Raiden’s voice came through the phone again. “Alright, but if anything happens along the way, you have to listen to me! If I tell you to come back, you must come back!”“Okay,” Britneyagreed without arguing.“Then get ready. I've already sent Bryantto buy the necessary supp
The dim streetlights flickered as the black off-road vehicle cruised steadily down the road.Due to the earthquake, the citizens of Goldmoorwere gripped by fear, evacuating high-rise buildings and gathering in open spaces for safety."It's over now."A cold voice sounded above her. Curled up in a tight ball, Karsynslowly opened her eyes, cautiously scanning her surroundings. Realizing that she had been clinging onto someone, she instinctively jolted away."Really over?" She tugged at the front of her shirt to mask her nervousness. Glancing around warily, she asked in disbelief. Just moments ago, she had clearly felt the entire building shake…What was going on? Why had it suddenly stopped?The warmth on his body dissipated as Ernestostiffened, his pale lips pressing into a thin line. "For now, yes."If he wasn’t mistaken, the tremor they just experienced had all the signs of an earthquake."For no
Yes!She was just scared and momentarily lost her senses!Otherwise, how could she possibly feel that this ice-cold man’s embrace was warm and safe?That was definitely not her true feeling!Karsynshook her head vigorously, trying to shake off these absurd thoughts.Ernestodidn’t dwell on it either. His pale lips parted slightly, still devoid of warmth. "Can you walk on your own?"The moment she almost fell down the stairs, his heart had actually stopped for a second, as if a gaping hole had been torn open in his chest. His mind had gone completely blank. He didn’t even dare to imagine—if he had been just one second slower, what would have happened…Leaning against the white wall, Karsynstill hadn’t shaken off her lingering fear. She obediently shook her head. There were still more than ten floors left, and even the usually fearless her had moments of weakness.Even if she coul
The once silent night had become unusually noisy due to the earthquake.Hearing her phone ring, Karsynimmediately took it out from her shoulder bag. A glance at the caller ID told her it was the old man calling. She looked at Ernestobefore answering the call."I'm fine, I'm outside with a friend..." she said while pacing in circles, responding to the concerned voice on the other end. "Mm, I'm okay. Has Andreascome back?""Yes, he's right here with me!" Glennhad been worried about his daughter not returning home so late, especially with the earthquake. The moment his phone got a signal, he immediately called her."Alright, you all stay safe. I'll see if I can find a ride back," Karsynreplied. Going back to the underground parking lot to get her car was impossible now. She scanned the lawn, noticing people gathered in groups of three or four, dressed in all sorts of outfits—some even wrapped in bathrobes and
Walking barefoot was a childhood memory, something she hadn’t done outside of home in years.Now, beneath her feet, the soft green grass tickled her soles."Follow me closely and watch your step," Ernestoreminded her, cautioning her to be careful of any sharp objects hidden in the grass."Don't worry, I'm not some delicate princess." If she hadn't been so flustered while rushing downstairs earlier, she would have taken off her heels and run barefoot. That way, she wouldn’t have caused Ernesto’s wounds to reopen.She might have grown up in a wealthy family, but she was never a pampered princess—nor did she have a princess’s fate.Ernestopressed his lips together and remained silent.She followed his lead, stepping carefully as they made their way to the spot he had pointed out.Sitting on the small stone ledge, Karsyncasually tossed her high heels aside. With her body finally at ease, she
Under the night sky, Karsyn’s smile was like a ray of light piercing through the darkness, shining into Ernesto’s heart.So sweet, so comforting...Unconsciously, the corners of Ernesto’s lips curved slightly, forming a barely perceptible arc. He wasn’t sure whether it was her words or her smile that caused it.Seeing him up close, Karsynnaturally noticed the faint traces of a hardened smile at the edge of his pale lips. "Ernesto, you know, when you smile, you look really handsome."Even when he wasn’t smiling, his cold and sharp features made him strikingly attractive. However, the indifference in his expression always kept people at a distance, making it hard for anyone to get close.Ernestopressed his lips together. Even he had no idea what his own smile looked like.Was it really good-looking?"Ernesto, your life shouldn’t be just about the night. Open your heart and let more people in..
Hearing her words, Franklinseemed to breathe a sigh of relief. "Go wait for me in the truck. But we definitely won’t get any rest tonight. We still have to continue distributing supplies along the way."After receiving distress calls from citizens, the management district immediately mobilized personnel, assigned areas, and dispatched supply trucks from different directions."Mm, as long as I can be with you, I'm happy." Whether she could get any sleep didn’t matter anymore.At that moment, Karsynglanced at the crowd, and not seeing himmade her feel uneasy. Why hadn’t she thought of it before? Someone who lurked in the shadows would surely avoid being seen by management officials and security personnel.With this thought, Karsynstopped Franklin, who was about to leave. "Franklin, do you have any emergency medical supplies? Can I get some?""You're hurt?" Franklinglanced at her and noticed the
On the way, Raidenand Bryanttook turns driving, allowing the other to rest for a moment. The road ahead was not going to be easy.Even though Britneyleaned back against the car seat, she couldn’t fall asleep. Instead, she moved closer to the car door, looking out through the window. The view along the way gradually changed—from the bustling city of Goldmoorto rolling mountains, presenting an entirely different landscape.The closer they got to Riverdale, the more anxious she felt, her heart pounding as if it would leap into her throat. Earlier on the road, she had seen vehicles crushed under landslides, people buried beneath the collapsed earth. Every time she saw a scene like that, she feared that Manuelmight be among them.Thankfully, he wasn’t.But as the road conditions worsened, she still couldn’t put her mind at ease.The black car traveled along a rugged mountain path before suddenly comi
Skyler had fallen asleep, but her mind remained alert. After all, Raiden had left a psychological scar on her today.As soon as Raiden mentioned being hungry, she couldn't help but complain to herself. He hadn't felt hungry earlier, and now, suddenly, he was.But despite the resentment in her heart, she didn’t dare voice it. After all, he was the young master, and she was just a servant..."Should I heat it up for you?" Since this "ancestor" had called for her, it was clear he wouldn’t do it himself. And it was late, so the other family members had likely already gone to sleep.Sure enough, the young master kicked his feet and said, "Should I do it myself?" If he was going to do it himself, why bother calling her? The real reason was that he couldn’t sleep and, seeing her sleep soundly beside him, a psychological urge stirred within him.If he couldn’t sleep, neither should she. It was a kind of unhealthy mentality.He wanted to wake her up
Skyler finally had the chance to observe the entire room. The decor was simple yet refined.A large sky-blue bed, a desk with a desktop LCD computer, and some model decorations—all expensive just at a glance. It matched his unruly personality well. However, it was clear he didn’t come home often; everything here still looked brand new."Where are you sleeping? Why are you asking me?"Since his father let her move in, he must have arranged a place for her."Do you have an extra blanket? I’ll sleep on the floor."The bed was big enough for two people, and she had slept with him before—otherwise, how would she have gotten pregnant? But at this moment, she didn’t dare sleep with him. She hadn’t forgotten the way he had looked downstairs, as if he wanted to devour her alive.She didn’t dare provoke him again, afraid that if she shared a bed with him, she might not even know how she died.She knew t
"Do you think you've found yourself a backer now? Is that why you feel so important?"Raiden’s tone was full of sarcasm.He looked exactly like a little kid afraid of losing his father's love.It’s often said that women mature faster than men, and Skyler was one of those women. She could see exactly what Raiden was upset about, and a smile tugged at her lips."No, Mr.Calderon! My biggest backer is you," Skyler admitted her mistake.Like hell he’d believe that! The innocence she had before was completely gone now.Raiden let out a cold snort and sneered, "Skyler, I didn't expect your appetite to be this big. First, you took my house, and now, in the blink of an eye, you've managed to squeeze a fortune out of my dad. Did your brain suddenly become enlightened? You’re making money at an impressive speed!""Mr.Calderon, I did go back on my word in this matter. I’m sorry! Here’s the key to the house you
Every parent, when talking about their child, always wears the kindest smile. Frankie was no exception. And when he thought about the fact that he would soon become a grandfather, his mood improved even more.Feeling good, he couldn’t help but chat a little more with Skyler.As Frankie flipped through old photos of Raiden’s childhood and talked about his younger days, Skyler truly saw how adorable he had been as a child.Uncle Calderon wasn’t lying—Mr.Calderon had been handsome since he was little.Big eyes, double eyelids, a high nose bridge, rosy lips, pearly white teeth, and fair skin—all combined with that charmingly arrogant expression…Skyler subconsciously placed her hand on her belly, wondering if the baby inside would be just as good-looking. If it were a girl and took after Mr.Calderon, she certainly wouldn’t be unattractive."Master, dinner is ready!" a servant came forward and announced.
"She should take a good look at herself! She doesn't want to marry me?" Raiden shouted.Who did she think she was? And who was he? Since when did a woman have the right to reject him?Since he was old enough to understand things, he had been surrounded by countless women, all vying for his attention. Which woman didn't want to marry him?Raiden sneered internally. This woman was definitely playing hard to get in front of his father, trying to win his favor so that he would pressure him into marrying her.I didn't see this coming.Skyler, so you dare play tricks on me!Skyler shivered slightly under Raiden’s sharp gaze. Was it a crime now to not want to marry him?Frankie stepped forward and kicked his own son. "And you should take a good look at yourself!"That kick wasn’t light. Raiden gasped in pain and quickly pulled his leg back to clutch it.Damn it!He was almost thirty, yet his old man still kicked him with
When Raiden walked in, he actually found that woman in his house!Without a word, he rushed up to her, grabbed her wrist, and started dragging her outside with large strides."Mr.Calderon, what are you doing?" Caught off guard by his strength, Skyler’s wrist throbbed in pain as she frowned and couldn't help but cry out."Don't ask, just come with me!"As soon as Raiden received a call from the person he had arranged to take Skyler to the hospital, he rushed back immediately.He had sent her to get an abortion, and she was already on the operating table—yet somehow, the old trickster in his family had intercepted her! Just thinking about how the plan was almost completed but was suddenly interrupted made him incredibly frustrated.How could he not know what that old fox was scheming?For the past few years, every time he returned home, the old man would pester him about marriage. Eventually, he got so fed up that he outrigh
Frankie was setting up Skyler, but unfortunately, she was too young and inexperienced to realize it. She had never encountered such schemes before, let alone faced an old fox like Frankie.At first, Skyler had no idea who had decided against her abortion. It wasn’t until she had spoken with Frankie for a while that she finally understood—it was the old master himself who wanted to keep his grandchild.She had already promised Raiden that she would terminate the pregnancy, and she had struggled internally for a long time. But in the end, her heart leaned toward keeping the child.“However, I have three conditions.”“Go ahead, go ahead…” Frankie was so delighted that she had agreed that he would have accepted a hundred conditions if necessary.“First, after the child is born, I want to be able to visit them whenever I wish. But you can rest assured—I will only be visiting the child and will have
Raiden’s Father...Hearing Frankie's words, Skyler couldn't help but look up. He wasn’t like what she had imagined. The middle-aged man in front of her was well-maintained, looking energetic and full of vitality. His smile was warm and friendly. There were indeed some resemblances between him and Raiden—he must have been quite a charming man in his younger years.Seeing her subtly relax, Frankie chuckled, “What do you think? Not quite what you imagined, right?”Having her thoughts seen through so easily, Skyler blushed, feeling slightly embarrassed. “It’s a bit different from what I expected,” she admitted.“Sit down and talk. I’m not used to looking up at people while speaking.” Frankie deliberately said this, knowing that otherwise, she wouldn’t sit down.Just as he had anticipated, Skyler realized that standing while talking to someone like this was somewhat impolite. Beside
Skyler looked at the cold, sterile operating table, her steps heavy as she walked over and lay down with the nurse’s help. Staring at her still-flat stomach, she silently whispered to the tiny life inside her, "Baby, I'm sorry."He had been so well-behaved. She had heard that during the first three months of pregnancy, morning sickness was common, sometimes severe enough to make one feel like the world was spinning. Yet, she hadn’t experienced any of that—she felt just like a normal person. She knew her baby must be a very obedient child.Unfortunately, she had no ability to keep him. If she forced his birth, he would only suffer alongside her.So, I’m sorry. It’s because I’m not brave enough…She had never intended to keep this child, but that didn’t mean she had no feelings for him. He was, after all, her own flesh and blood."Miss Oneal, we’re going to administer the anesthesia now. Try to r